AU2018214126A1 - Window shutter assembly - Google Patents

Abstract

This invention relates to a window shutter assembly for a window. The assembly includes a frame and at least one shutter panel movably mounted to said frame for movement between an open position and a closed position. An insulating panel is releasably mountable to the frame such that the insulating panel is in generally parallel spaced relation to a pane of the window. z InsideOusd k8'3

Description

WINDOW SHUTTER ASSEMBLY

Field of the invention [0001] The present invention relates to improved window shutter assemblies and methods for constructing window shutter assemblies. The invention has been developed primarily as an insulated interior window shutter assembly for use in residential, commercial or industrial buildings.

Background of the invention [0002] Any discussion of the prior art throughout the specification should in no way be considered as an admission that such prior art is widely known or forms part of common general knowledge in the field.

[0003] Window shutters typically have a frame hinged about a window frame so as to be moveable between an open position in which the shutter does not, or only minimally, obstructs the open area of the window and a closed position in which the shutter covers the window. Shutters may be employed for a variety of reasons, including controlling the amount of sunlight that enters a room, to provide privacy, security, to protect against weather or unwanted intrusion or damage and to enhance the aesthetics of a building.

[0004] A window shutter generally consists of one or more panels with louvers to control the amount of light, visibility and airflow through the window when the shutter is in its closed position. The physical size and shape of many existing interior window shutters, commonly referred to as plantation shutters, is such that they are of a relatively bulky construction and therefore limit the options for available for glazing a window and as such as commonly only suit for use with single glazed window constructions.

[0005] It is an object of the present invention to overcome or ameliorate one or more of the disadvantages of the prior art, or at least to provide a useful alternative.

Summary of the invention [0006] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a window shutter assembly for a window, the assembly including:

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-2 a frame;

at least one shutter panel movably mounted to said frame for movement between an open position and a closed position; and an insulating panel releasably mountable to the frame such that the insulating panel is in generally parallel spaced relation to a pane of the window.

[0007] Preferably, the frame is configured to be mounted to or within a window frame of the window. Preferably, the frame defines a frame open area. In some embodiments, the frame and the frame open area is square or rectangular in shape.

[0008] Preferably, the insulating panel is releasably mountable to the frame so as to be in continuous sealing engagement with the frame, thereby to close or seal the frame open area and prevent airflow therethrough.

[0009] Preferably, the insulating panel includes a panel frame and an insulating pane held within the panel frame. The panel or insulating frame preferably surrounds the periphery of the insulating pane. Preferably, the panel or insulating frame forms a continuous uninterrupted frame about the insulating pane.

[0010] In some embodiments, the panel or insulating frame is formed with a plurality of insulating frame members, including top, bottom and side members. Preferably, each insulating frame member is elongate and has a receiving formation for receiving a corresponding edge of the insulating pane. The receiving formation is generally Ushaped and adapted to provide a snug or close-fit for the corresponding edge of the insulating pane such that the panel is captively retained therein.

[0011] In various embodiments, the insulating pane is transparent, translucent or opaque.

[0012] Preferably, the insulating pane is made from a thermoplastic material, such as an acrylic or polycarbonate. In certain preferred embodiments, the insulating pane is formed from optical grade acrylic. The chemical and physical properties of the thermoplastic material provide the insulating pane with the following benefits: acrylic/polycarbonate has superior insulation properties to glass and delivers greater results when compared with traditional methods of double glazing; acrylic is much safer and lighter than glass and less likely to shatter; the acrylic provides optical clarity so as

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-3not to distort the view through the window when the insulating panel is in place. In addition to the material selected for the insulating pane, the insulating pane can be formed of a desired thickness so as to provide the optimum performance for a particular application.

[0013] In some preferred embodiments, the insulating system includes a control film applied to the window pane or the insulating pane or both. Preferably, the control film is a solar control film for reflecting heat. In certain embodiments, the solar control film is applied to an inner surface of the existing window pane so as to reflect heat before it enters the air cavity. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the control film can advantageously enhance the insulation of radiant heat and thereby improve the overall performance of the window system.

[0014] In some embodiments, the window shutter assembly includes a sub-frame mountable to the frame. Preferably, the insulating panel is releasably mountable to the sub-frame.

[0015] Preferably, the sub-frame is fixedly mounted to the frame. The sub-frame is preferably mounted within the frame open area. In some embodiments, the sub-frame is mounted entirely within the frame open area. Preferably, the sub-frame is mounted within the frame open area so as to be flush with a rear face (e.g. an exterior facing surface) of the frame, thereby to not alter the overall size or footprint of the frame or window shutter assembly.

[0016] In some embodiments, the sub-frame includes a plurality of sub-frame elements. Preferably, the sub-frame includes four sub-frame members, including a top member, a bottom member and two side members. Preferably, each sub-frame element is elongate. In some embodiments, each sub-frame element has a generally Lshaped cross-sectional profile (e.g. formed of elongate length of angle iron). In other embodiments, each sub-frame element has a generally rectangular cross-sectional profile. Preferably, each L-shaped sub-frame element includes a first arm which is flush with the rear face of the frame and a second arm extending towards the shutter panel, thereby to facilitate mounting of the insulating panel from an interior position of a building in which the window is located. In some embodiments, the insulating panel is releasably mounted to each first arm of the sub-frame elements.

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-4 [0017] Preferably, the plurality of sub-frame elements is arranged so that the subframe forms an uninterrupted mating surface against which the insulating panel can be mounted, thereby to facilitate and effect a face-to-face sealing engagement therebetween. Preferably, a butt join is formed between ends of adjoining sub-frame elements. In other embodiments, a mitred join is formed between ends of adjoining sub-frame elements.

[0018] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the window shutter assembly can be advantageously retrofitted to an existing window. Similarly, the subframe can be advantageously retrofitted to the frame of an existing window shutter assembly, with its shape and size being readily customised as required.

[0019] The sub-frame is preferably mounted/attached to the frame with a suitable fastener. Preferably, the fastener is selected from the group including mechanical fasteners such as screws, nails, rivets, pins, staples or the like, and bonding fasteners such as adhesives (e.g. glues) and double-sided bonding tape or the like.

[0020] In some embodiments, the sub-frame is formed of a material selected from the group including metals, plastics and woods. In one particularly preferred embodiments, the sub-frame is formed of aluminium. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the sub-frame is not limited to only those materials listed above but rather it may be formed of any suitable material including rigid and flexible elements.

[0021] Preferably, the window shutter assembly includes a mounting means for releasably mounting the insulating panel to the frame, more preferably the sub-frame. The mounting means is preferably magnetic. Preferably, the mounting means includes a first magnetic element associated with the sub-frame and a second magnetic element associated with the insulating panel, the first and second magnetic elements acting in combination to enable releasable mounting of the insulating panel to the sub-frame.

[0022] In some preferred embodiments, the first magnetic element is an elongate strip formed of a magnetic material or otherwise magnetised, the magnetic strip being mounted in face-to-face relationship to an inner face of the sub-frame (e.g. an inner surface of the first arm of each sub-frame element. A first magnetic element or strip is preferably applied to each sub-frame member to create a continuous magnetic surface around the inner face of the sub-frame. The magnetic strip may be adhered to the inner

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-5face of the associated sub-frame element by, for example, an adhesive or a doublesided bonding tape. The width of each magnetic strip is preferably substantially the same as the height of the associated sub-frame element or arm to which it is mounted. In certain embodiments, the first magnetic element is mounted so as to enhance the structural integrity of the sub-frame.

[0023] Preferably, the second magnetic element has a mating surface adapted to abut against the first magnetic element in face-to-face magnetic sealing engagement. The second magnetic element is preferably an elongate strip formed of a magnetic material or otherwise magnetised, the magnetic strip being mounted about one face of the insulating panel or insulating panel frame.

[0024] A second magnetic element is preferably mounted to each insulating panel frame member to create a continuous magnetic surface around the insulating panel, preferably around the periphery of the insulating panel, thereby to enable a continuous sealing engagement with the first magnetic element.

[0025] Preferably, each insulating panel frame member has a mounting formation (e.g. channel, groove, etc) in which the second magnet element is received (and securely retained or otherwise embedded or housed). In some embodiments, the second magnetic element is mounted within the mounting formation by way of a pressfit, snap-fit, lengthwise sliding fit, and/or otherwise retained within the mounting formation by way of a suitable retaining means (e.g. fastener, clip, adhesive or the like). Preferably, the insulating panel frame members are arranged to form a continuous mounting channel around the perimeter edge of the insulating pane and corresponding to the configuration of the layout of the first magnet element.

[0026] It will be appreciated that the magnetic mounting means advantageously provides a simple, robust and reliable mechanism to facilitate ease of installation and removal of the insulating panel from the sub-frame for cleaning, maintenance or ventilation, etc. In addition, the magnetic mounting means is effective in providing a continuous seal about the periphery insulating panel and between the panel and frame/sub-frame.

[0027] In some embodiments, the sub-frame and (magnetic) mounting means preferably forms a thermal break about a periphery of the insulating panel and an

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-6(insulating) air cavity between the window pane and the insulating pane, thereby to enhance the insulation value of the window system. Preferably, the insulating panel is mounted to create an (insulating) air cavity between the insulating panel and the window pane, at least when the shutter panel is in its closed position.

[0028] In certain embodiments, the sub-frame can be mounted to (or adjacent to) the frame or sub-frame to provide the air cavity with a desired depth (i.e. the distance between the window pane and the insulating pane). Preferably, the sub-frame is mounted so that the insulating pane is substantially parallel to the existing window pane and such that the depth of the air cavity is substantially constant over the area of the insulating panel.

[0029] In some embodiments, the window shutter assembly, frame or sub-frame is configured to set the depth of the air cavity to a predetermined depth (within the boundaries of the window frame), thereby to provide desired operating performance (acoustic and thermal) characteristics of the window/shutter assembly.

[0030] In some embodiments, the shutter panel is hingedly mounted to the frame. In some embodiments, the shutter panel is slidably mounted to the frame.

[0031] In some embodiments, the or each shutter panel includes a shutter frame and a plurality of slats or louvers. In some embodiments, the louvers are fixed. In some embodiments, the louvers are selectively operable for movement relative to the shutter frame between a fully open position and a fully closed position, thereby to change the angle of the louvers relative to the shutter frame and control the amount of light which can pass through the shutter panel.

[0032] Preferably, the insulating panel is mounted to the frame such that it is spaced from the shutter panel by a sufficient distance that it is clear of and does not foul with the louvers. In some embodiments, the sub-frame configured and arranged to ensure that the insulating panel is spaced from the frame by a greater distance relative to the extent to which the louvers project from the shutter panel/frame (on the mutually opposing sides of the shutter panel and insulating panel). In those embodiments in which the louvers are moveable between open and closed positions, the insulating panel is mounted such that it is spaced from the louvers when the louvers are in their

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-7open position (e.g. horizontal position) in which they project furthest from the shutter panel.

[0033] Preferably, the at least one shutter panel is mounted in use towards an interior side of the window, thereby to be accessible and operable from inside the building in which the window is located.

[0034] In some embodiments, the insulating panel has one or more handles to facilitate handling during mounting and removal of the insulating panel from the subframe.

[0035] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a window shutter assembly for a window, the assembly including:

a frame;

at least one shutter panel movably mounted to said frame for movement between an open position and a closed position; and an insulating panel releasably mountable to the shutter panel such that, when the shutter panel is in the closed position, the insulating panel is in generally parallel spaced relation to a pane of the window.

[0036] In some embodiments according to this aspect of the invention, the shutter panel preferably includes a shutter frame and a plurality of louvers mounted thereto. In such embodiments, the sub-frame is preferably mounted to the shutter frame such that the shutter panel and insulating panel move together in unison. In these embodiments, when the shutter panel is in its closed position, the insulating panel is in parallel spaced apart relation to the window pane (effectively providing a double glazing window system with an air cavity between the insulating and window panes). When the shutter panel is out of its closed position and in an open position, the insulating panel is aligned with the shutter panel/frame and extends at an angle relative to the window pane.

[0037] In some embodiments according to this aspect of the invention, the sub-frame is preferably attached to the shutter panel and extends therefrom towards the window pane (when the shutter panel is in its closed position). In some embodiments, the subframe is formed from a plurality of elongate sub-frame elements or members. In certain embodiments, the sub-frame elements have a square or rectangular cross-sectional profile. In some embodiments, the sub-frame elements are arranged to define a sub2018214126 10 Aug 2018

-8frame panel mounting surface against which the insulating panel can be releasably mounted. For example, a first magnetic element may be attached to the sub-frame panel mounting surface and a second magnetic element may be attached to the insulating panel, thereby to enable the insulating panel to be mounted in direct face to face abutment with the distal end of the sub-frame.

[0038] In other embodiments, the sub-frame may be configured to have a receiving formation in which the insulating panel is at least partially received upon mounting of the insulating panel to the sub-frame. Preferably, the receiving formation is configured such that the insulating panel sits flush with the distal end of the sub-frame when the insulating panel is mounted to the sub-frame. In some embodiments, the receiving formation is a cut-notch, notch or groove extending along the length of each sub-frame element. Preferably, each receiving formation has a constant cross-sectional profile along its length.

[0039] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a window shutter assembly, including:

a frame;

a panel hingedly mounted to said frame for movement between an open position and a closed position;

a sub-frame mountable to the frame;

an insulating panel releasably mountable to the sub-frame;

thereby to provide in use a double glazing effect with an associated window pane.

[0040] According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a window shutter assembly, including:

a frame;

at least one panel movably mounted to the frame for movement between an open position and a closed position; and a glazing panel releasably mountable so as to be positioned in generally parallel spaced relation relative to the panel, at least when the panel is in the closed position.

[0041] According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of constructing a window shutter assembly, the method including the steps of:

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-9installing a shutter frame to a window frame;

hingedly mounting at least one shutter panel to the frame such that the at least one shutter panel is movable between an open position and a closed position; and releasably mounting a glazing or insulating panel to the shutter frame or the at least one shutter panel.

[0042] In those embodiments in which the insulating panel is mounted to the at least one shutter panel, it is preferred that an insulating panel is mounted to each shutter panel.

Brief description of the drawings [0043] Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:[0044] Figure 1 shows a schematic side view of a first embodiment of a shutter assembly, with a glazing panel releasably mounted thereto, according to the invention;

[0045] Figure 2 shows a front view of the shutter assembly of Figure 1;

[0046] Figure 3 shows schematic side view of a second embodiment of a shutter assembly, with a glazing panel releasably mounted thereto, according to the invention;

[0047] Figure 4 shows a top view of the shutter assembly of Figure 4;

[0048] Figure 5 shows schematic side view of a third embodiment of a shutter assembly, with a glazing panel releasably mounted thereto, according to the invention; and [0049] Figure 6 shows a top view of the shutter assembly of Figure 5.

Preferred embodiments of the invention [0050] Referring to the drawings and initially to the embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 2, the invention provides a window shutter assembly 1 for a window of a building (not shown). The assembly 1 includes a frame 2 and at least one shutter panel 3 hingedly mounted to the frame 2 for movement between an open position and a closed

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-10 position. The shutter panel 3 is shown in its closed position in the accompanying figures.

[0051] The frame 2 is typically square or rectangular in shape and configured to be mounted to or within a window frame of the window in the conventional manner for installing interior (plantation) shutters. The frame 2 defines a frame open area and the shutter panel 3 can be moved to the open position to allow light and airflow through the open area and the closed position for privacy.

[0052] To provide further control over the extent of light and airflow through the open area of the frame 2, the shutter panel 3 includes a shutter frame 4 with a plurality of slats or louvers 5 extending horizontally across the shutter frame 4. In the illustrated embodiment, the louvers 5 are selectively operable for movement relative to the shutter frame 4 between an open position as shown in Figure 1 and a closed position.

[0053] To facilitate this movement, each louver is pivotally mounted between side members of the shutter frame 4 so as to be able to tilt about its longitudinal axis relative to the shutter frame 4. Each louver 5 is also pivotally connected along one of its edges to a control bar 6 such that selective upwards or downwards movement of the control bar 6 causes a corresponding tilting movement relative to the shutter frame 4 to open or close the louvers 5.

[0054] The louvers 5 are arranged within an open area of the shutter panel 3, being a smaller open area than the open area of the frame 2 of the window assembly 1. The arrangement of the louvers 5 and control bar 6 is such that the louvers can be positioned at a desired tilt angle intermediate the open and closed positions, thereby to control the level of light, airflow and privacy associated with the open area of the shutter panel 3.

[0055] Referring again to Figure 1, an insulating panel 7 is releasably mounted to the frame 2 of the window assembly 1 so as to cover the open area of the frame 2. The insulating panel 7 is preferably mounted such that the insulating panel 7 is in generally parallel spaced relation to a pane (not shown) of the window, and the shutter panel 3 when the shutter panel 3 is in its closed position.

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- 11 [0056] Advantageously, the insulating panel 7 is releasably mounted to the frame 2 so as to be in continuous sealing engagement with the frame 2, thereby to close or seal the frame open area and prevent airflow therethrough.

[0057] In the illustrated embodiment, the insulating panel 7 includes a panel frame 8 and an insulating pane 9 held within the panel frame 8. The insulating panel frame 8 is formed with a plurality of insulating frame members 10 including a top, a bottom and left and right side members. The insulating frame members 10 form a continuous uninterrupted frame 8 about the periphery of the insulating pane 9.

[0058] As is most clearly seen in the enlarged window view of Figure 1, each insulating frame member 10 is elongate and has a generally U-shaped cross-sectional profile. Each U-shaped frame member 10 defines a receiving formation between each arm 11 of the U-shaped frame member 10 for receiving a corresponding edge 12 of the insulating pane 9. The U-shaped receiving formation is preferably adapted to provide a snug or close-fit for the corresponding edge 12 of the insulating pane 9.

[0059] The insulating pane 9 is preferably is made from a transparent thermoplastic material, such as an acrylic or polycarbonate, so as to not substantially alter the outlook through the viewable area of the window. It will be appreciated, however, that in other embodiments the insulating pane 9 may be formed of a suitable translucent or opaque sheet material.

[0060] The window shutter assembly 1 includes a sub-frame 13 fixedly mountable to the frame 2 and configured such that the insulating panel 7 is releasably mountable thereto.

[0061] In the embodiment of Figure 1, the sub-frame 13 is mounted within the open area of the frame 2 so as to be flush with a rear face (e.g. an exterior facing surface) of the frame 2. This arrangement ensures that when the insulating panel 7 is mounted to the sub-frame 13 there is no increase in the overall size or footprint of the frame 2 or window shutter assembly 1 as a whole. This advantageously enables the window shutter assembly 1 to be installed within a window frame of a building in the conventional manner used for installing interior or plantation shutters whilst providing the improved thermal and acoustic insulating characteristics of the present window shutter assembly 1.

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- 12 [0062] The sub-frame 13 includes a plurality of sub-frame elements in the form of elongate aluminium L-shaped sub-frame members 14. The sub-frame 13 preferably includes four sub-frame members 14 including a top member, a bottom member and two side members with a butt join formed between respective ends of adjoining subframe members. Each sub-frame member 14 has a generally L-shaped cross-sectional profile and is arranged such that a first arm 15 of the L-shape is aligned and flush with the rear face of the frame 2 and a second arm 16 of the L-shape extends towards the shutter panel 7 (i.e. away from the window), thereby to facilitate mounting of the insulating panel from an interior position of a building in which the window is located. In the illustrated embodiment and as is described in further detail below, the insulating panel 7 is releasably mounted to each first arm 15 of the sub-frame members 14.

[0063] Each sub-frame member 14 is preferably attached to the frame 2 with suitable mechanical fasteners (not shown) such as, for example, screws, nails, rivets, pins, staples or the like.

[0064] To facilitate the releasable mounting of the insulating panel 7 to the sub-frame

13, a magnetic mounting means 17 is provided. The magnetic mounting means 17 includes a first magnetic element 18 in the form of elongate strips formed of a magnetic material and attached to the inner face of each first arm 15 of the sub-frame members

14, thereby forming a rectangular track about the sub-frame 13. The magnetic mounting means 17 also includes a complementary second magnetic element 19 in the form of elongate strips formed of a magnetic material connected to the panel frame 8 of the insulating panel 7 and configured to be releasably engagable with the first magnetic element 18. The first and second magnetic elements (18, 19) act in combination to enable the releasable mounting of the insulating panel 9 to the sub-frame 13.

[0065] The first magnetic element 18 is mounted in face-to-face relationship with an inner face of the first arm 15 of each sub-frame element 14. Individual strips of the first magnetic element 18 are preferably applied to each sub-frame member 14 to create a continuous magnetic surface or track around the inner face of the sub-frame 13. The first magnetic strips 18 may be adhered to the inner face of the associated sub-frame element by, for example, a mechanical fastener or bonding material (e.g. an adhesive or a double-sided bonding tape). To enhance the connection between the first magnet element 18 and the associated sub-frame member 14, the width of each magnetic strip

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- 13 is ideally about the same as the height of the associated sub-frame element or arm to which it is mounted.

[0066] Each insulating panel frame member 10 has a mounting formation in the form of a channel 20 in which individual strips of the second magnet element 19 can be received and securely retained. The strips of the second magnetic element 19 can be mounted within the respective channel 20 of the sub-frame member 14 by way of a press-fit, snap-fit, lengthwise sliding fit, and/or otherwise retained within the mounting formation by way of a suitable retaining means (e.g. fastener, clip, adhesive or the like). The insulating panel frame members 14 are arranged to form a continuous rectangular mounting channel 20 around the perimeter edge of the insulating pane 9 and corresponding to the configuration of the rectangular layout of the first magnet element 18.

[0067] The complementary rectangular configurations of the first magnetic element 18 and second magnetic element 19 advantageously provides continuous uninterrupted magnetic surfaces around the periphery of the insulating panel 7 and sub-frame 13, thereby to enable a continuous sealing engagement between the magnetic elements (18, 19).

[0068] Thus the magnetic mounting means 17 advantageously provides a simple, robust and reliable mechanism to facilitate ease of installation and removal of the insulating panel 7 from the sub-frame 13 for cleaning, maintenance or ventilation, etc.

[0069] Furthermore, the sub-frame 13 and magnetic mounting means 17 forms a thermal break about the periphery of the insulating panel 7 and an (insulating) air cavity between the window pane and the insulating pane 7, thereby to enhance the insulation value of the window system whilst allowing full movement and functionality of the shutter panel (i.e. movement between its open and closed positions and tilting of its louvers, as desired). Given that the insulating panel 7 is releasably mounted to the frame 2 via the sub-frame 13 in the embodiment of Figure 1, the (insulating) air cavity formed between the insulating panel 7 and the window pane is maintained when the shutter panel 3 is in either its closed position or its open position. That is, the shutter panel 3 moves between its closed and open positions independently of the insulating panel 7.

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- 14 [0070] As seen in Figure 1, the insulating panel 7 is mounted to the frame 2 such that it is spaced from the shutter panel 3 by a sufficient distance that it is clear of and does not foul with the louvers 5, when the louvers 5 are tilted to their open position where they project furthest from the shutter panel 3.

[0071] Referring now to Figures 3 and 4, there is illustrated another embodiment of the window shutter assembly 1 with a shutter frame 4 and a shutter panel 3 hingedly mounted to the frame for movement between an open position and a closed position.

[0072] In this embodiment, an insulating panel 7 is releasably mounted to the shutter panel 3 such that movement of the shutter panel 3 between its open and closed positions causes a corresponding movement of the insulating panel 3. Here, the movement of the shutter panel 3 about its hinged connection is not independent of the insulating panel. Instead, the insulating panels 3 remains in parallel spaced relation to the shutter panel 3 during movement of the shutter panel 3 between the open and closed positions.

[0073] When the shutter panel 3 is in the closed position, the insulating panel 7 is in generally parallel spaced relation to a pane of the window such that an air cavity is formed therebetween.

[0074] In this embodiment, the sub-frame 13 is attached to the rear or exterior facing side of the shutter panel 3 and extends therefrom towards the window pane (when the shutter panel is in its closed position). The sub-frame 13 is formed from a plurality of elongate sub-frame elements 14 having a square or rectangular cross-sectional profile (although other sections may be readily used). In this embodiment, the sub-frame elements 14 are arranged to define a sub-frame panel mounting surface 21 against which the insulating panel 7 can be releasably mounted.

[0075] The sub-frame 13 may be formed of any suitable (rigid) material (e.g. timber, metal or plastic) and may advantageously be formed of the same material used to form the shutter panel 3 or shutter frame 4, thereby to enhance the aesthetic appeal of the window shutter assembly 1.

[0076] For example, a first magnetic element in the form of a rectangular arrangement of elongate first magnetic strips 18 is attached to the sub-frame panel

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- 15mounting surface 21 and a corresponding rectangular arrangement of elongate second magnetic element strips 19 is attached to the insulating panel 7, thereby to enable the insulating panel 7 to be mounted in direct face to face abutment with the distal end of the sub-frame 13.

[0077] Here the insulating panel 7 includes a panel frame 8 similar to that as described above in relation to the embodiment of Figure 1. The panel frame 8 extends about the periphery of the insulating panel 7 with the panel frame members 10 having a generally U-shaped section for receiving the respective edges of the insulating pane 9 and a lateral extending channel 10 for receiving the second magnetic stripsl 8 therein.

[0078] Referring now to Figures 5 and 6, there is illustrated a further embodiment of the window shutter assembly 1. This embodiment is similar to that shown in Figures 3 and 4, however, in this embodiment the sub-frame 13 is configured to have a receiving formation 22 in the form of a cut-notch, notch or groove extending along the length of each sub-frame element 14 in which the edges of the insulating panel 7 are received (in a rabbet-style joint connection). Each receiving formation 22 is configured such that the insulating panel 7 sits flush with the distal end of the sub-frame 13 when the insulating panel 7 is mounted to the sub-frame 13.

[0079] Accordingly the present invention, at least in its preferred embodiments, provides a simple and effective window shutter assembly 1 in which an insulating panel is releasably mounted to enhance the thermal and/or acoustic insulating characteristics of a window system to which the window shutter assembly is mounted. The window shutter assembly is particularly advantageous as it can be constructed in a relatively compact manner and so as not increase the overall footprint of a frame and shutter assembly or the window system as a whole. Furthermore, the functionality of the shutter is not impeded or otherwise affected such that the shutter panel can be readily moved between its opened and closed positions. Similarly, operation of the louvers of the shutter panel is not affected by the insulating panel and can be freely tilted between open and closed positions to control the level of light entering the building. Similarly, the insulating panel is releasably mounted such that it can be removed for cleaning or maintenance purposes or to control the level of airflow through the window. In these and other respects, the invention in its preferred embodiments, represents a practical and commercially significant improvement over the prior art.

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- 16 [0080] Although the invention has been described with reference to specific examples, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention may be embodied in many other forms.

Claims (18)

1. A window shutter assembly for a window, the assembly including:

a frame;

at least one shutter panel movably mounted to said frame for movement between an open position and a closed position; and an insulating panel releasably mountable to the frame such that the insulating panel is in generally parallel spaced relation to a pane of the window.

2. A window shutter assembly according to claim 1, wherein the frame is configured to be mounted to or within a window frame of the window.

3. A window shutter assembly according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the insulating panel is releasably mountable to the frame so as to be in continuous sealing engagement with the frame, thereby to close or seal the frame open area and prevent airflow therethrough.

4. A window shutter assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the insulating panel includes a panel frame and an insulating pane held within the panel frame.

5. A window shutter assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the panel or insulating frame is formed with a plurality of insulating frame members, wherein each insulating frame member is elongate and has a receiving formation for receiving a corresponding edge of the insulating pane.

6. A window shutter assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a control film is applied to the window pane.

7. A window shutter assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a control film is applied to the insulating pane.

8. A window shutter assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the window shutter assembly includes a sub-frame mountable to the frame, the insulating panel being releasably mountable to the sub-frame.

9. A window shutter assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sub-frame includes a plurality of sub-frame elements, the plurality of sub-frame elements

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- 18being arranged to form an uninterrupted mating surface against which the insulating panel can be mounted, thereby to facilitate and effect a face-to-face sealing engagement therebetween.

10. A window shutter assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the window shutter assembly includes a mounting means for releasably mounting the insulating panel to the frame.

11. A window shutter assembly according to claim 10, wherein the mounting means is magnetic.

12. A window shutter assembly according to claim 10 or claim 11, wherein the mounting means includes a first magnetic element associated with the sub-frame and a second magnetic element associated with the insulating panel, wherein the first and second magnetic elements act in combination to enable releasable mounting of the insulating panel to the subframe.

13. A window shutter assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the shutter panel is hingedly or slidably mounted to the frame.

14. A window shutter assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the or each shutter panel includes a shutter frame and a plurality of louvers.

15. A window shutter assembly according to claim 14, wherein the louvers are selectively operable for movement relative to the shutter frame between a fully open position and a fully closed position, thereby to change the angle of the louvers relative to the shutter frame.

16. A window shutter assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one shutter panel is mounted in use towards an interior side of the window, thereby to be accessible and operable from inside the building in which the window is located.

17. A window shutter assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the insulating panel has one or more handles to facilitate handling during mounting and removal of the insulating panel from the sub-frame.

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18. A method of constructing a window shutter assembly, the method including the steps of:

installing a shutter frame to a window frame;

hingedly mounting at least one shutter panel to the frame such that the at least one shutter panel is movable between an open position and a closed position; and releasably mounting a glazing or insulating panel to the shutter frame or the at least one shutter panel.